{"id":29536,"date":"2020-09-25T15:03:07","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T15:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/09\/25\/italy-eyes-path-into-us-armys-next-gen-helo-program-thanks-to-eu-pandemic-relief-fund\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T14:04:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:04:09","slug":"italy-eyes-path-into-us-armys-next-gen-helo-program-thanks-to-eu-pandemic-relief-fund","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2020\/09\/25\/italy-eyes-path-into-us-armys-next-gen-helo-program-thanks-to-eu-pandemic-relief-fund\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy eyes path into US Army\u2019s next-gen helo program, thanks to EU pandemic-relief fund"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ROME \u2013 Italy is considering using funds handed over by the European Union for its Covid-damaged economy as a way to fund defense technology programs including the U.S. Future Vertical Lift helicopter initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The so-called FVL program to build next-generation helicopters is currently being pursued by the United States only, but is listed as a possible target for Italian investment in a document drawn up by Italy\u2019s industry ministry and seen by Defense News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cash would come from the the European Union\u2019s 750 billion euro Recovery Fund, conceived this year to help European member states relaunch their economies after the devastation caused by Covid-19 lockdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rome is due to receive the largest share, totalling just over 200 billion euros in grants and loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2019s government ministries have come up with hundreds of ideas for investing the money, with a focus on job creation, green technologies, digital programs that include extending broadband internet access, and building new rail lines and hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defense also features on the preliminary list. The defense funding, the document states, would \u201callow a technological leap in research, innovation and the construction of very high performance dual use platforms with a reduced environmental impact, total cyber security and digital innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples given are \u201csixth generation aircraft\u201d, a likely reference to Italy\u2019s commitment to the UK Tempest program, \u201cadvanced submarine technology\u201d, unmanned technology, artificial intelligence and ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guido Crosetto, the head of Italian aerospace and defense industry group AIAD, said new developments in marine propulsion could be a focus for naval funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surprising item on the list is \u201cFVL new generation helicopters.\u201d Led by the US Army, the Future Vertical Lift program is split into different projects including a Future Attack Reconnaissance aircraft (FARA), with Lockheed Martin\u2019s Sikorsky and Bell chosen to build prototypes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bell and a Sikorsky-Boeing team have each built and flown technology demonstrator aircraft that will inform the Army\u2019s other next-generation aircraft pursuit \u2014 the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Bell has spent almost three years flying its V-280 Valor tilt rotor<\/a> while Sikorsky trailed behind with its SB-1 Defiant coaxial aircraft<\/a> due to manufacturing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\t